FOREVER A PART OF OUR STORY
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP, FRIENDSHIP, AND JESSICA-ISMS
FAVORITE MEMORY
s is tough---- For me its a toss-up.
st is expo racing the entrees at the Concordia Gala
d next would be sitting at the top of the tallest lding in Chicago while in town for the National staurant Show, and taking in the view and talking out the great things we were going to accomplish at ncordia after seeing all the equipment and showing r clients what was possible.
~ Laura Hodge Senior General Manager
Schools First Federal Credit Union
JESSICA’S WORDS OF WISDOM
Jessica gave me the greatest piece of advice EVER and I share it with every person I promote or hire in a manager or supervisor capacity.
I still do this every single day.
“When you walk in the door each day, put your bag down, and then before you do any work at all, go walk around the unit and say good morning or hello to every member of the team you can find.”
A NOTE FROM: LAURA
Thank you Jessica for always believing in me, guiding me through the hard times, celebrating successes with me and caring about me as a person and an employee. I wish you success as you take on this next challenge, they are so lucky to have you on their team!
A NOTE FROM: LEON
Thank you for being such a great mentor and leader to me over the past 9 years.
I wish you the best of luck and know you are going to kill it!
FAVORITE MEMORY
Racing Jessica at the Concordia Gala to see whose side of the gym we could send food out to faster.
Also, as a college student when Jessica asked me to come to work full time with BA post-college,
which started my whole career.
~ Leon Darley General Manager, Biola University
“Take
JESSICA’S WORDS OF WISDOM
care of your people and they will take care of you.
”
A NOTE FROM: MICHAEL MINSHULL, DISTRICT MANAGER
Thank you Jessica for all you have done for all of us. You have impact on everyone that has had the pleasure of working with you and I am a better person having known you. I wish you nothing but the best in your new role.
FAVORITE MEMORY
So many it is hard to pick just one but it has to be the soy sauce packet!
JESSICA’S WORDS OF WISDOM
I never stopped learning from Jessica and was fortunate enough to have a close working relationship with her. Directions changed over the years, we always had to be flexible and nimblewith all of this, there was always a simple message.
“Our people are why we are here and we would not be without them.”
You cannot expect someone to keep giving all of themselves if you put someone alongside them who isn’t willing to do the same.
You need to be as unreasonable in how you build your team as you are in how you build your product or experience.
~ Will Guidara | Unreasonable Hospitality
FAVORITE MEMORY
Back several years ago w g her on a special project with Morrison Health Care in La Jolla.
One very important thing to Fedele was that we installed a demo mirror above one of the stations in time for pening day on a weekend turn. The mirror arrived broken. Jessica was resourceful enough to be able to locally find, pay for, and install that very specialized mirror to get it there on opening morning as if nothing had happened - and nobody knew all that happened behind the scenes.
Jessica is always willing to go above and beyond
...to do whatever it takes and never settle to get the job done and deliver a promise. I respect her immensely for that!
-Kari Menslage Regional Director of Activation
JESSICA’S WORDS OF WISDOM
The answer is never no.
It's always "YES, and . . . this is what it's going to take to get there". She always said she could deliver lunch on the moon - but it wasn't going to be cheap, or easy!
A NOTE FROM: KARI
Jessica, thank you for nearly 20 years of mentorship and friendship.
I am so excited to see what this new adventure brings you. Your legacy will forever be at Bon Appétit through the people you have developed and lives you have made better for knowing you - including mine. When I was put on furlough and reeling from the pandemic, the first thing you did was offer me and my family (including my geriatric dog) your cabin in Big Bear to decompress.
It was the most beautiful gesture of kindness. I will never forget it.
A NOTE FROM: RAE
I love you so much an pull from our brief time together as I grow in this business. I pray I am half the boss you were. I pray I empower my people as much as you empowered me. You are an incredible and amazing woman. Truly one of a kind. Your mark is made, your presence will be forever missed.
FAVORITE MEMORY
As a per diem prep cook hired from a temp agency, I was assigned to a cafe in Irvine 10 years ago, One day I was working the MTO salad station and Jessica (GM at the time) was helping serve. I didn’t know she was the GM. I thought she was the bookkeeper. I was giving her direction for fear she would slow me down or leave mid-rush.
As I was leaving at the end of the day, the Executive Chef told me his boss wanted to hire me. I asked, you have a boss? How do they know me? He laughed and said, the woman who was working the MTO salad with you said she wants to hire you on. I exclaimed, “the bookkeeper?!” He laughed again and said, “she’s the General Manager. She runs the place.” I excused myself mortified. I said, “I was telling her what to do!!!”, again he laughed and said,”I know, that’s what she loved.” Well, 10 years later, she is still my standard of quality, humility, toughness, fairness, and investing in your staff. I wouldn’t fully be who I am without having had the immense blessing of learning under Jessica Reeve. Although this is a huge loss for Bon Appetit, I am incredibly happy for her next chapter.
~ Murrae Glen | Executive Chef, DreamWorks
JESSICA’S WORDS OF WISDOM
“Make sure you push others forward when you recognize quality. We all deserve an advocate. “
FAVORITE MEMORY
It was a Monday, and we had a Teams call scheduled with several managers and myself. During the pre-call small talk, as we waited for everyone to join, there was the usual hemming and hawing about it being a Monday. That’s when Jessica cheerfully declared,
“I love Mondays! I love every day!”
She then went on to explain why each day of the week was the best day, starting with Monday and ending with Friday. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and her reasoning was both funny and surprisingly insightful.
What struck me most wasn’t just her humor but the sheer passion and optimism she exudes. Jessica’s carpe diem approach to life and work truly inspired me. It deepened my admiration for her—not only as a leader but also as a person.
-Julie Bedard Brand Activation Manager
A NOTE FROM: JULIE
Jessica, you made a personal sacrifice for the betterment of your team and the people you support. You stand firm in your beliefs, and make the tough decisions, and put your people first. Your courage and dedication are truly inspiring, and you set an incredible example as a leader. Your new team is so lucky to have you!
Wishing you all the best as you begin this next chapter.
JESSICA’S WORDS OF WISDOM
“Never do the job of an hourly employee”
FAVORITE MEMORY
My favorite moments would be when we would work together and brainstorm a plan. There were always so many options we would talk through before coming up with a plan.
~ Nicole Bell
North East | Mid West Project
Manager
JESSICA’S WORDS OF WISDOM
“It doesn't matter if the person is right or wrong, it is their perceived reality...”
A NOTE FROM: NICOLE
Thank you for all that you have taught me.
I AM A BETTER MANAGER BECAUSE OF YOU.
A NOTE FROM: CHELSEA
Jessica,
I wish you nothing but the best with this next step, thank you for always inspiring me to be better and to get me to branch out of my comfort zone.
Hoping this next chapter brings you lots of stability and happiness.
-Chelsea Westwood, Executive Chef | ServiceNow
JESSICA’S WORDS OF WISDOM
Jessica always instilled in me that "I am better than I think I am". I have always had a hard time celebrating my victories and am definitely my own worst critic. She taught me to not be so modest in my accomplishments. I always found comfort talking to her, as her and Michael have been very supportive of me throughout my whole journey. She's an honest person and will tell it like it is, is just so relatable and made herself available to all of her managers anytime. I think she truly cares about her people and she wants to develop everyone and see them succeed;
WHO COULD ASK FOR A BETTER BOSS?
FAVORITE MEMORY
My favorite Jessica moment would probably have to be when I was doing my first ice cream demo at ServiceNow, not having alot of experience speaking publicly. Jessica was pep talking and trying to make me feel less nervous, she started filming and I had poured too much liquid nitrogen in the bowl. So, the ice cream went everywhere (I accidentally made dip n dots lol), and Jessica was right there cracking up with me. Although the moment was a little embarrassing, having Jessica there to laugh with about it made it alot more fun.
FAVORITE MEMORY
You were the one that took a chance and hired me back in 2014 that gave me my new career with BA at Capitol Group in Irvine. There are so many memories throughout our time working together but the one that has stuck with me was a teachable moment, you have always been about teachable moments and I am forever grateful to have learned this one from you. How to not steam tamales, what a lesson that was, watching you guard the tilt braiser so no one would lift the lid to see if they were done, serving nearly 2000 tamales and you showed us all how to get them done in no time at all.
Thank you for that memory -
Now, share with the group what your secret was.
-Eric Morgan Executive Chef - Whittier College
JESSICA’S WORDS OF WISDOM
“There is always a solution or compromise to be had even with the most difficult client.”
A NOTE FROM: ERIC
You'll be fine without me, face forward and march on, you'll be missed more than you know.
A NOTE FROM: ANTHONY
Jessica, as you embark on this exciting new chapter, know that your hard work, talent, and dedication will continue to lead you to success. Wishing you all the best in your new endeavor — may it bring you fulfillment and growth.
You'll be missed!
FAVORITE MEMORY
Jessica always brought incredible energy and creativity whenever she visited our café. She made the work enjoyable and inspired me to strive for new accomplishments. Her enthusiasm was truly contagious.
-Anthony Simpson Chef Manager | Petco Café
JESSICA’S WORDS OF WISDOM
“Anticipate needs before they're voiced. Whether it's with clients, team members, or the organization. Being proactive shows reliability, builds trust, and set you apart.”
FAVORITE MEMORY
Collaborating and working with Jessica on the Disney RFP tasting is a memory that I treasure.
Tight timeline, small event space, and high expectations abounded. Jessica was the calm in the storm.
Her organization, attention to detail, and occasional chuckle carried the team to eventual victory.
(side note: I also always enjoyed hearing about her twin boys growing up. )
~ Paula Nielsen Director of Creative Services
A NOTE FROM: PAULA
Jessica -
You will be deeply missed.
Wishing you all the best with your new adventures!
Keep calm like Jessica & carry on!
FAVORITE MEMORY
My favorite Jessica moment is receiving, not only a high 5, but it was worthy of a high 10!
~ Doug DiGiovanni General Manager | Capital Group IRV
JESSICA’S
WORDS OF WISDOM
“INSPECT what you EXPECT”
A NOTE FROM: DOUG AND ALEX
All we can be is grateful for the experience of having to work alongside Jessica.
She is an admirable leader and mentor.
We want to wish her success and triumph on her new journey! Her absence will definitely be felt amongst many of us as she gave us a sense of positive support even from afar!
I really enjoy your tough but fair managing style. Keep being that! A NOTE FROM: RAY
FAVORITE MEMORY
When Jessica pretended to be a student and came up to my face to ask for more food and kept insisting on wanting more food. that our people are being taken care of.
JESSICA’S WORDS OF WISDOM
The entire budgeting process with Jessica was so insightful. I learned that Jessica really cares about taking care of the people and was helping me try to find extra money so that we could pay our employees more. It's so refreshing to hear from a manager or executive that is not soley focused on delivering the bottom line, but also making sure
~ Ray Jou General Manager | Education First
FAVORITE MEMORY
I'll always cherish my first days at BAMCO, especially the support I received from Jessica. Thrown into the deep end with the City National Bank opening, I was clueless about food service. Jessica patiently walked me through the process, explaining every step. It was so comforting to have someone take the time to help.
I'll never forget the time I announced my pregnancies to Jessica. Her excitement and support were overwhelming. She took the time to meet both of my children, making me feel incredibly lucky to have such a caring work family
~ Samina Jilani Regional Controller, ACV
JESSICA’S WORDS OF WISDOM
How to take better food pictures!
It's still a work in progress, but she's definitely given it a shot.
A NOTE FROM: SAMINA
Jessica, you’ll be missed! It’s already strange not having my office neighbor and lunch buddy. However, I’m happy to know that you’re moving on to a more challenging role that will allow you to grow professionally. I’m confident you’ll excel in this new opportunity.
FAVORITE MEMORY
Success often comes from stepping out of your comfort zone, even when the work is stressful
JESSICA’S WORDS OF WISDOM
“Challenges are opportunities to learn from.”
OTE FROM: PETER
Jessica, I'm sure you know but if not, here I go... Working with you was equal parts
l and stressful, often at the same time! I think that’s what made it so special. You pushed me to levels I didn’t know I could reach, and I learned so much from you whether it was how to manage chaos, perfect a recipe, or keep a cool head when things got crazy (still working on that last one!).
Thank you for all the teachable moments, for letting me be part of your journey, and for everything you’ve done—not just for me but for all the “so-so” chefs who had the privilege of working with you. You’ve impacted so many of us in ways we’ll carry forever.
Cheers to your new adventure, Jessica! While I firmly believe there’s no one better than me to work with (because, well, it’s true!), I also know there’s only one you. People may try to be like me, but let’s face it—they won’t even come close.
Take care, my friend, and here’s to all the joy, chaos, and success that lies ahead!
Peter Alfaro | Regional Executive Chef
FAVORITE MEMORY
Although I haven't worked with Jessica very much
one on-one, once I started working out of the office there would not be a day that if she was in the office she would not make me share her soup and salad with her or whatever she brought for lunch that day, no matter how small her lunch was, without fail she always had a bowl ready to go for me as well!
Regional Support
Simona Mitroi
JESSICA’S WORDS OF WISDOM
No matter what, take it!
A NOTE FROM: SIMONA
Wishing you all the best in this next chapter! You will never acutally retire :)
FAVORITE MEMORY
I am endlessly grateful for my time working with Jessica. I feel like she took a chance believing in me for a new role when I started at Illumina (for which I was totally in over my head!), and for that I will always be appreciative. I remember during my first week, Jessica sat down with me to eat lunch outside and talked to me about what the transition from catering manager to general manager would be like. She assured me I was capable, but also let me know I would make a lot of mistakes along the way. And more importantly that she was going to let me make those mistakes (at least the small ones) -- even if it was something she saw coming and could help me avoid. As an overly eager perfectionist, that thought appalled me. But looking back, I learned so much so quickly because she let me try things my way. I try to emulate that same mentality with my managers... always being there to guide and make recommendations, but never forcing someone to do something in a certain way.
-Caroline Garfink General Manager |
Illumina
A NOTE FROM: CAROLINE
We are all soooo happy for you and your new adventure, though selfishly, a little sad to see you go! You left such a huge impression on everyone you worked with. I am excited for you and all the new opportunity coming your way!
THANK YOU, JESSICA!!!
JESSICA’S WORDS OF WISDOM
“You’re gonna make mistakes and I am gonna let you - learn from them.”
FAVORITE MEMORY
I don't have one particular moment but I was lucky enough to be able to work along side two different account openings. Jessica is such a strong, knowledgeable presence in EVERY. Single. Situation. She knows her stuff and is a real financial dynamo
and she also makes me laugh!
JESSICA’S WORDS OF WISDOM
Jessica could and should teach a clinic on how to manage and operate a food service venue of any size. She knows everything and is happy to bestow her knowledge to anyone smart enough to listen.
~ Heather Lee Regional Merchandising Manager
A NOTE FROM: HEATHER
I am so sad to hear that she is leaving the company. Jessica is the Real Deal.
I wish her all the luck in the world on her new adventure and consider myself so fortunate to get to spend time with the force that is Jessica Reeve!
A NOTE FROM: MARCUS
I wish you best of luck! You were definitely an amazing person to work under and left me with a lot of knowledge to help me in gaining experience in this field. It is really sad to see you leave, but what you have established here with Bon Appetit and the legacy that you leave will stay within all of us that have had the honor of working with you.
Thank you for everything!
Marcus McGee General Manager | Whittier College
A NOTE FROM: BECCA
Jessica -
I loved opening ServiceNow with you - and what a strong leader you are - I knew I could go to you for anything and you’d have the answer! You will be missed and you are wonder to behold.
~ Becca Caccamise | Merchandiser
A NOTE FROM: JILL
Jessica - what a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with you! Sending you best wishes on your new adventure!!
~ Jill Koenen | Director of Activation
CHEERS TO YOU JESSICA
